The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) closed a Japanese language center in Davao City after it was accused of engaging in illegal recruitment activities.

In a statement, the DMW reported that it has padlocked the Sincere Japanese Skills Academy, Inc. (Sincere) as it is allegedly engaged in illegal recruitment of Filipino jobseekers.

"Sincere is not just offering Japanese language training but also promise of job opportunities in Japan despite not being a licensed recruitment agency," said the DMW.

Sincere is the fourth Japanese language center ordered closed by the DMW in the last two weeks.

The DMW said the actions were prompted by the complaint of individuals, who were charged by Sincere to pay between P3,000 to P50,000 for language training.

They were also allegedly promised by Sincere with employment opportunities in Japan as caregiver, food and beverage service personnel, or ground handler in the aviation industry.

The DMW said officials and personnel of Sincere will be included in the list of persons and entities with derogatory record.

Sincere and its officials are set to face illegal recruitment charges. DMS